The bust of Gen. George A. Joulwan in downtown Pottsville now has railings along the concrete wall and designated seating area.
Matt DiRenzo, owner of the Park Hotel on Centre Street, owns the area. Michael Cardamone, chairman of the Pottsville Historical Architectural Review Board, said Monday that DiRenzo spoke to the HARB board months ago about ongoing concerns in the area.
“He had a public safety concern,” he said.
He added that DiRenzo noticed there was a lot of debris and trash accumulating in the area.
DiRenzo did not return a call for comment Monday.
Cardamone was unaware the railing was installed Monday but said DiRenzo did previously get permission from HARB for the barrier.
City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar also did not know the installation work was done. However, he said, the city council gave approval October 12, 2015, for a fence.
“It seems to be less restrictive for the downtown,” Palamar said of the choice of railing instead of fencing.
DiRenzo had spoken to the Pottsville City Council in April about the area needing more attention. The city moved the bust, which was originally in front of Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home on West Market Street, to its present location, according to newspaper archives. In September, DiRenzo installed plastic fencing in the area.